Camp of 23^d Mass. April 4^th.

           

Dear Ros:—

Surely the Army of the Potomac is on the move—nothing but rain, rain! For more than a week it has stormed as often as every other day while it is quite cold the whole time. The days have been at least 48 hours long. I have read 'till I could read no longer, paid all debts in the line of letters and had ample time to hate myself. An order to leave camp—three days rations—would be welcomed by all. However, we may get enough of that by and by. Rumors are still afloat that we are to join the Burnside expedition and if such is the case we shall have an ample chance to exercise ourselves. In that case we may see old North Carolina again and have a chance to wade through its mud and mire once more—Not a very pleasant prospect as you would think if you had been there. Swamps are its chief productions. It is a very good place to winter in but a poor country in which to summer it. Should we spend another summer there I should expect to shake out of my boots or rather brogs. There are but two things there desirable. those are sweet potatoes and pigs. both are as plenty as pigweeds in a cornfield. We never went hungry while in that state—those two articles could always be found. we had pork fried and stewed, boiled and broiled. Potatoes / baked and boiled, fried and raw. I shall always remember that old state with pleasure. it is poor enough and mean enough for the worst of people but I have had some jolly good times in it and when the war is over I intend to visit it again. I wish to have a look at Kinston and its swamps when no Rebs are there to warn me off.

 

            You have been to California and some nights when back in the mountains feasting on poor bread and poorer butter you have thought of home and wondered what was on their board at the same time I dare say: Such was the case with me to-night as I sat down to my dry bread and bitter tea. I thought of the hot biscuit and maple syrup that was before you. At the same time I said to myself, I have seen the time and not long ago when I would have been very glad to get even dry bread. I bought butter when a days work would not pay for a lb. but now it costs 65 or 70 cts a lb. and that is more than I can afford to pay in $13.00 a month.

 

            The same quiet as ever here in camp—nothing new or interesting. When the weather permits we drill fore-noon and after-noon and a dress parade at night. Our Col. is famous for his drills. He can "form square" and "pass the defile" to perfection. having been drilled on those two movements for more than a year it is something like having boiled pork for breakfast and horse for dinner day in and day out. But they are the only two movements he can get through his thick skull so we must not complain. He never has been in an engagement—was either sick or at home. The boys respect him about as much as they would a mule.

 

[overwritten]

 

            Abbies letter of the 26 ult arrived in due season and as ever was gladly read. So Addie is married, well I do not know that I envy Sir Charles any not but what she may be a good girl but she is not exactly my style. I can say the same of Laura. And I cannot remember but two young ladies in the village (Nancie & Katie) that I care much about seeing. Are there any new ones there. Does Emma Spaulding hear from Capt. Bryant? Do you ever see Alice or Julia White? Who are the head ladies of your division? I received a letter from George yester-day. I presume he has written you of his sickness. I hope he will be careful and not catch cold. I send home a photograph of one of our veterans who has just returned from Mass.—he is a good boy and don't wear Uncle Sam's poor clothes as you will see by the picture. Give my regards to all who think of me and write often. I received yours of March 20^th. Where is that two dollars? Write soon.

                                                                                                           

Your brother

Charles

SOURCES